Welcome to the 'New Somerset and Dorset Railway'

The original Somerset and Dorset Railway closed very controversially in 1966. It is time that decision, made in a very different world, was reversed. We now have many councillors, MPs, businesses and individuals living along the line supporting us. Even the Ministry of Transport supports our general aim. The New S&D was formed in 2009 with the aim of rebuilding as much of the route as possible, at the very least the main line from Bath (Britain's only World Heritage City) to Bournemouth (our premier seaside resort); as well as the branches to Wells, Glastonbury and Wimborne. We will achieve this through a mix of lobbying, trackbed purchase and restoration of sections of the route as they become economically viable. With Climate Change, road congestion, capacity constraints on the railways and now Peak Oil firmly on the agenda we are pushing against an open door. We already own Midford just south of Bath, and are restoring Spetisbury under license from DCC, but this is just the start. There are other established groups restoring stations and line at Midsomer Norton and Shillingstone, and the fabulous narrow gauge line near Templevcombe, the Gartell Railway.

There are now FIVE sites being actively restored on the S&D and this blog will follow what goes on at all of them!

Midford - Midsomer Norton - Gartell - Shillingstone - Spetisbury

Our Aim:

Our aim is to use a mix of lobbying, strategic track-bed purchase, fundraising and encouragement and support of groups already preserving sections of the route, as well as working with local and national government, local people, countryside groups and railway enthusiasts (of all types!) To restore sections of the route as they become viable.

Whilst the New S&D will primarily be a modern passenger and freight railway offering state of the art trains and services, we will also restore the infrastructure to the highest standards and encourage steam working and steam specials over all sections of the route, as well as work very closely with existing heritage lines established on the route.

This blog contains my personal views. Anything said here does not necessarily represent the aims or views of any of the groups currently restoring, preserving or operating trains over the Somerset and Dorset Railway!

Sunday, July 30, 2006

Hopefully as and when new members join and become more active there can be a little more thought given to access and presentation! I was a little surprised to see rare archive photos not laminated and fixed to the side of the box van using rusty drawing pins!

At the same time the whole site has a rustic charm that shouldn't be lost in the future. I'd recommend a visit by anybody in the area and if you can join, please do!

With a customary shudder common to all S&D fans, I bravely visited Washford on the GWR Minehead branch today. Alarmingly, as I stepped foot on the platform, this toy engine in a garish blue pulling horrible chocolate-and-cream coaches passed by. I thought for a minute I'd been transported to the island of Sodor!

It was the best medicine possible when I spied across the platform this vision of loveliness, the old box from Burnham-on-Sea on the immortal S&D!

This is the hub of the S&D museum at Washford.

Nicest touch was this small length of two-foot gauge track representing the old peat line that crossed the branch, complete with some excellent restored wagons and wagon turntables.

Thursday, July 27, 2006

We’re very aware at the S&D that we will need to work closely with other groups in the future as the line is restored. There’s a natural tendency to think that we are always right and other groups with other interests are always wrong, or ignorant. I’ve heard some choice comments about Sustrans from some members for example, but to my mind both us and Sustrans have an identical agenda for now and the future - to anticipate future transport changes now and make provision for them. We can co-exist totally, as long as we respect each other. There is plenty of room for both rail and cycleway between Bath and Bournemouth, at places we can share the same trackbed, at other points we will be able to work closely with Sustrans and other cycling groups to plan exciting and practical routes as close to the railway as possible. We need to offer reduced fares for cyclists, out by train back by cycle tickets, special trains for cyclists etc In return they need to make sure that they use our catering and other facilities along the route.

We also need to cater for walkers with similar special tickets etc, signposted walks from stations and dedicated walkways such as at the Wildspace area next to Midsomer Norton station.

We also need to ensure that visitors are not held too long at the railway, but that they are encouraged to visit the towns and villages along the route to help support the local economy.

We also need to work closely with schools and colleges so that the educational aspects of the line are easily accessed. It would be nice to offer skills training along the line, both practically-based and experience-based.

We also need to engage very closely with the local communities along the route and never be seen as outsiders, often a problem on other lines.

Wednesday, July 26, 2006

The rail has now all arrived - about 1/4 mile of single track for the new extension.

Everyone involved deserves a medal for working so well in the heat - from the Trackworks Team up at Wootton Bassett, the Monday Gang at Midsomer Norton and the lorry driver who did three return trips over the two days.

Once laid this will give us almost half a mile of run and will take us properly out into the countryside, opening up new photographic opportunities and giving the public a decent run once train services begin next year.

Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Whilst here at the S&D we are busy expanding our operations, the network outside has been doing the same. Over the last year the (non-heritage) sector has added 315 trains a day, and passenger numbers have increased by almost 3.6%. (source Railstaff, issue 104, July 2006). And this is before we see any real Peak Oil effects! It is also on a fairly static network, once lines are reopened on a regular basis then these figures will skyrocket. The real problem is going to be the ability to source trained staff, vehicles and materials (track etc).

It's impossible to over-emphasise the huge changes and expansion that will happen to the network in the coming decades. Almost all the Beeching cuts will be reversed, totally new lines will be built and there will be an enormous expansion in light and ultra-light rail.

Monday, July 24, 2006

The first of three lorry loads of ‘new’ rail arrived today. Antell’s lorry is carefully and skilfully backed into the yard and on to the new scalpings surface in front of the loco/goods shed. It took about three hours to get all the rail off in the extreme heat.

Thanks to John B, Graham C, John P, Viv J and any I’ve forgotten for the hard work, and for Alan S and Gill B, Alan for directing the lorry in and Gill for making a wonderful vegetarian sausage sandwich after all the rail was safely off! Also thanks of course to the track gang and others at the other end preparing the rail for collection.Two more loads arrive tomorrow. Any member able to get to the station to help out will be made more than welcome!

This rail will be laid on the new extension to Chilcompton Tunnel, and should keep us busy for about a year!

Sunday, July 23, 2006

Four more shots of the trackbed between Midsomer Norton and Radstock, likely to be part 2 of the reinstatement of the S&D in this area (after Midsomer Norton - Chilcompton Tunnel and before Chilcompton Tunnel - Chilcompton Station).

The trackbed is surprisingly clear and runs through attractive scenery the whole way with open views across the hills. Two bridges will need to be replaced.

Once Radstock is reached serious consideration can be given to the reinstatement of the line to Bath as both a public and tourist railway, which is likely to become one of the most important tourist attractions in the whole south west as well as a leading member of the 'premier league' of UK private railways.

Saturday, July 22, 2006

I bang on about Peak Oil regularly, and as a result climate change has taken something of a back seat. But this week's record heatwave reminds us all that global heating is happening, and a good deal faster than the government would like us to believe.

So what will climate change mean for the S&D? Obviously rail will be given absolute priority over road in the battle to contain emissions, because rail is so much more efficient in energy use than roads, partly because of the lack of friction between steel rail and wheel, and also because of the more efficient use of resources, both energy and material, that a train makes over the multitude of vehicles (many frivolous or terribly wasteful) that we still find on the roads. Rail vehicles last much longer than road vehicles, the recent EMU slam-door stock replaced on the Southern was anything up to 40 years or more old, whereas scrapyards are full of cars much younger than this.

Rail also copes far more efficiently in extreme weather. Snow blocks roads almost instantly, whereas with the right equipment (ploughs or blowers) railways can be kept open in falls of many feet. The dedicated right of way of the railway is far far easier to keep clear in snow than hundreds of minor roads. The sheer weight of a train can push through large quantities of snow, whereas cars and lorries become stuck fast. Remember the M11 a few years ago which became blocked for almost 24 hours after a ridiculous 2 inch snowfall? Snow may become a much bigger problem in the UK if the North Atlantic Current (Gulf Stream) slows or stops.

If the heat continues to build then roads will become unbearable, with melting surfaces and jams with cars breaking down as people try to escape the cities for the countryside and beaches to keep cool. Providing allowance for heat expansion is built into future rail construction then heat will be no problem at all for trains.

Britain's warming climate, together with the contraction of air travel (and the end of cheap air travel) will lead to hugely increased demand for holidays in the UK, particularly at the seaside resorts, long in decline and now already becoming one of the few winners thanks to climate change. The sooner we can take people to Bournemouth by train again the better!

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

It seems that every day brings a new piece of rolling stock to Midsomer Norton! This arrived yesterday, late in the day. It's a milk tanker - crazy that these are not still used in their thousands on the network rather than letting the roads get fouled up with milk and other tankers.

Like everything that comes to Midsomer Norton this will be a useful and used piece of equipment, it will act as a water tender for filling visiting steam locomotives.

In a few years time rails should reach this point as we extend northwards over two new bridges to the classic S&D location of Radstock. The track would probably follow the line of the pavement - there is alternative space to walk through the Memorial gardens on the left, which occupy the site of the S&D station.

The white car is exactly where the old (and future) S&D level crossing was/will be. A short section of the route here has been tarmaced over, but being double track width it should be no problem comfortably accomodating both a single track and a cycleway and footpath.

This is the route of the S&D over the Five Arches, hardly looking like it's been almost 40 years since the track was lifted!

A classic and typical S&D lineside view which will soon be visible from the trains again!

It is possible that Radstock will once again have two stations, but this time both on the S&D! It may well be that we build a basic station this side of the Bath road at first to avoid a level crossing, close to the Mining Museum. Later as we rebuild back to Bath a larger station could be accomodated beyond the Mining Museum, on a large area of grass just to the north of the original station. Being flat and surrounded by car parks and unrestricted roads (whilst cars survive!) Radstock could offer better opportunities to join the trains than Midsomer Norton or Chilcompton, although we hope that all stations on the new S&D will be both destinations and originating points for journeys.

It was interesting to walk along the old formation high above the road and imagine it in fifty years time, with the railway very busy with passengers and freight (and all behind wood-burning steam) whilst the road is quiet and overgrown with the occasional bike, horse or pedestrian enjoying the shade and peace of the crumbling asphalt!

Our website

JOIN THE NEW S&D!!

Joining the New S&D is easy - simply click on the Paypal button below for ordinary (£15), junior (£7) or LIFE (£250) membership. Membership gives you the right (with full insurance cover) to work at either of our sites at Midford and Spetisbury, 2 magazines per year and 10% discount on items from our online sales site and, in the future, reduced fares on trains!

WANTED FOR THE NEW S&D!

As we move from the early stages to a more mature state we need a number of key people to help us spread the word about the New S&D and rail resurgence in general. Ideally we'd love to have the following people -

SALES OFFICER - to develop mail order and internet sales, also attend events up and down the route to promote the line. At a later stage will be fully responsible for building shop stock at Midford and Spetisbury.

PROMOTIONS OFFICER - to promote the line via meetings etc. Would also liaise with local and regional government, working as a lobbyist for the New S&D. Would work closely with the PRESS OFFICER.

TREASURER - to take care of the accounts, make payments etc, and advise on financial matters.

HERITAGE OFFICER - to promote and care for all the heritage aspects of the line.

If you are interested in any of the above posts please email me at leysiner@aol.com

Ideally the sales officer position needs to be held by somebody local to the line - would happily split this role Dorset/Somerset if it makes it more manageable! Ideally the Promotions Officer would also live locally to the line. The other posts can be distant from the line.

OUR NEXT MEETING -

will be our AGM, spring 2015 location to be decided, but will be in the Bath area.

New S&D Logo

and website link!

SPETISBURY

We are now actively restoring the site at SPETISBURY, in Dorset. If you are interested in getting involved down there please contact our Spetisbury Project Manager by email on deancockwell@ntlworld.com
Alternatively please phone me (Steve Sainsbury) on 0117 3738973

MIDFORD FACEBOOK - NEW SOMERSET AND DORSET RAILWAY The New S&D will be holding a meeting on Saturday 21st May from 2pm to 4...

bring it back

WORKING AT MIDFORD - IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Volunteers are welcome to go up to Midford at any time to do restoration work - but please bear the following in mind!Please under no circumstances park in the Hope and Anchor car park at any time, even when the pub is not open. There is plenty of car parking on Twinhoe Lane, by the gate that gives access to the cycleway. From there it is a very pleasant walk to the station over the viaduct! Please carry tools etc by hand.Please email or phone me first just so I know there is somebody there and to give you an idea of what work needs to be done.Within a few weeks we will have New S&D reflective jackets available. Please wear these whenever possible.You are an ambassador for the line. Please talk to anyone who is interested in the line and if you have them please hand out leaflets. Be friendly and professional at all times!Please keep the cycleway clear of tools etc at all times.Please take ALL litter etc home, including cigarette ends.

Please respect all the wildlife in the area, always check if clearing that you are not destroying a nest etc. If in doubt please leave well alone.Please use the Hope and Anchor pub for drinks and food.We do not currently have insurance for volunteers. You are working at your own risk, personal injury insurance is recommended.Please take care at all times and think of others, volunteers and members of the public.

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WANTED!

Volunteers to join the regular working parties restoring MIDFORD station.

You need to be a New S&D member (you can sign up on the day). Bring tools etc!

the rail thing

Come with us on a journey through time and space ...
the rail thing can throw up ANYTHING rail-related, from BR in the 70s to Swiss trams, Czech funiculars to British classic miniature railways ...the rail thing

New S&D on Facebook

Midford Station Appeal

The first aim of the New S&D will be to secure the station site at Midford and rebuild the station as a visitor information centre. This will only be the very first small step to restoring the route, but possibly the most important. As Paypal charges can be high it is better to make larger donations (£20+) by cheque wherever possible, but please feel free to use this facility for any amounts if easier! Cheques should be made payable to 'New Somerset and Dorset Railway' and sent to New S&D, Midford Station Appeal, 10 Bellamy Avenue, Hartcliffe, BRISTOL, BS13 0HW. We may be introducing a share scheme for the station so a record will be made of all donations and if a share scheme is agreed then all moneys will be allocated to doners and shares issued to the full value of donations made.

MIDFORD STATION APPEAL

Join and support the New S&D

Basic membership is just £15 per year. This entitles you to participate in all New S&D activities, receive regular news and info (by email and/or post), vote at meetings, receive 10% reduction on sales items and, if you wish, contribute directly to the blog.

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YOU CAN OF COURSE ALSO PAY BY CHEQUE! Please make cheques payable to 'New Somerset and Dorset Railway' and send to New S&D, 10 Bellamy Avenue, Hartcliffe, BRISTOL, BS13 0HW

Donations to the New S&D

You can now donate specifically for those aspects of the New S&D that you personally have the most interest in.
New S&D Steam Centre
Plan is to create a base on the route (Templecombe or Evercreech are suggested) where steam locomotives can be shedded and serviced and run services over the route. These will be additional to the 'real' passenger and freight scheduled services.

You can donate any amount by clicking the Paypal button below.

STEAM CENTRE.

If your main interest is in purchasing and securing land and buildings then you can donate any amount specifically for this purpose by clicking on the Paypal button below.

LAND PURCHASE.

If you would like to donate towards lobbying local, regional and national government in addition to helping maintain a high media profile then you can donate any amount by clicking the Paypal button below.
LOBBYING AND MEDIA.

You can of course make specific donations by cheque through the post. Please state what the donation is for, or whether it is a general donation, and send to -

What group does what on the S&D?

The S&D was a large network, over 100 miles in all, and was the most popular line in the UK, if not the world.

For this reason there are a variety of groups restoring and preserving the S&D.

They are -

The New Somerset and Dorset Railway - a land purchasing and lobbying group determined to reopen the whole S&D as a response to Peak Oil and Climate Change, blending sustainable modern and heritage transport. Direct email contact. They also manage the growing Somerset and Dorset Railway ecommerce site here. They own and are currently restoring Midford station and will shortly do the same at Spetisbury, for rebuilding as information offices for the whole route. Facebook.

Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust - restoring Midsomer Norton station with plans to extend to Radstock and towards Shepton Mallet. In summer regular passnger trains are operated at this iconic S&D location. The station and area have been restored to their full pre-closure glory. There is also a museum on site.

Sturminster Rail Group - aim is to purchase strategic sections of the route particularly between Sturminster Newton and Henstridge to allow the running of trains in the future.

North Dorset Railway Trust - based at Shillingstone in Dorset has restored the iconic station at Shillingstone and is also in the process of laying track for up to a mile. They have a diesel loco on site and will shortly be taking delivery of steam loco 'Cunarder'. Facebook.

Gartell Light Railway - a two foot gauge private railway operating on part of the S&D near Templecombe, currently extending northwards. Operates about once a month.

There is also a private restoration project at Masbury station but PLEASE do not trespass on the site!

The S&D Stamp Appeal

Turning stamps into track!

Remember you can help raise money for the New Somerset and Dorset Railway or the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust (Midsomer Norton) by sending used stamps to us. These are quickly turned into cash which will help us set the organisation up or continue the work at Midsomer Norton.

ALL stamps are required, even the regular 1st and 2nd class small ones. Ideally they should be trimmed to within about 1/4" of the perforations, on just the front part of the envelope.

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Copyright

We do occasionally use images and text from other people. Wherever possible we do contact the creators to clear use, but it is sometimes hard to trace the original copyright, for example if we use an uncredited image from a third party website. Please be assured that all text and images are for strictly non-commercial use. If you are a copyright holder and we have used your text or images please contact us and we will endeavour to either remove the text/images or come to an agreement for their use. We all have the interest of the S&D at heart.